A twist on the treat buffet that is sure to be "pop"ular!

By now, most everyone has been to an wedding or event featuring a candy buffet. Don't get me wrong. It's still a trend that I love. You can never go wrong offering guests the opportunity to be a "kid in a candy store" and indulge in the forbidden! However, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this twist on the treat buffet concept . . . a gourmet popcorn buffet. Fill a table with different size and shape containers filled with many different varieties of this sweet and salty treat. Make sure to provide guests with personalized bags or containers so they can fill up and take their goodies home as their favor.

A wide variety of gourmet popcorn sold in bulk may be more difficult to find locally in certain areas, so it's time to surf the web. There are many companies out there with a quality product and reasonable prices, but my choice is Vic's Corn Popper (http://www.vicspopcornomaha.com/). The popcorn is delicious, their prices are right and the popcorn arrives fresh. Give this a try and you are guaranteed to get rave reviews from your guests!

After meeting wedding planner, Jenny Orsini of Style Network’s “Whose Wedding is it Anyway” at a specialized industry training last year, I recently had the honor of working with Jenny and her Pampered Bride Weddings team on the wedding day of the elaborate celebration of Lauren and Geoff. The ceremony was held at the majestic Saint John the Evangelist Church in Schenectady, New York and guests were treated to a most fabulous reception at the Inn at Erlowest in Lake George.

No stone was left unturned for this platinum wedding with a color palette of peach, ivory and touches of green and gold. The décor was grand with alternating high and low centerpieces featuring an abundance of romantic blooms and sparking crystals, but the show stopper was the dramatic and decadent crystal tree on the head table. These exquisite floral designs were courtesy of New Jersey's A Touch of Elegance. Complimenting the flowers were the stunning place settings featuring gold rimmed plates, crystal adorned round menu cards and custom made napkins and rings.

The guests were pampered with an elaborate cocktail hour on the terrace which included a martini bar, ice luge, chef attended stations and an abundance of other hors d’oeuvres. The sit down dinner and dance reception featured food by Mansion Catering and the dynamic sounds of The New York Players. Following the meal and some dancing, fireworks lit up the sky and guests wandered between the cigar roller and expansive candy buffet.

I must commend Jenny, her team and all the wonderful vendors for putting on a fantastic event for Lauren and Geoff. It was an honor to be a part of it and learn from the best!